The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
About
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established federal regulations requiring the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles to query the national Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH), to ensure that Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) or Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders or applicants do not have a drug or alcohol violation prohibiting them from operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV).
Prohibited Drivers
Beginning on September 23, 2024, DMV will send letters to CDL/CLP holders who are prohibited in the DACH advising them of their prohibited status and what they must do to become compliant. The CDL/CLP holder must complete a return-to-duty (RTD) process with a qualified substance abuse professional.
Drivers who are prohibited can visit the DACH website to view their violation(s) and to get information regarding the RTD process. CDL/CLP holders cannot operate a CMV while in a prohibited status on the DACH. All CDL/CLP transactions including upgrades, renewals, and duplicates will be denied until the driver becomes compliant. This also includes reciprocities.
Downgrades
CDL/CLP holders who do not complete the RTD process within 55 days of the letter will have their CDL downgraded, or their CLP canceled. Drivers with a downgraded status can use their existing license to drive non-commercially. No visit to a DMV office is required.
The downgrade transactions began November 18, 2024.